NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: NPR Vol.7(1) [January-February 2008]

Natural dye-yielding plants and indigenous knowledge of dye preparation in Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, Central India

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Natural dye-yielding plants and indigenous knowledge of dye preparation in Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, Central India

Authors: Tiwari, S C; Bharat, Ajay

Abstract: The Chhattisgarh state, in the heart of India, is very rich in biodiversity as well as in the forest cover. Forests of Chhattisgarh have a number of dye yielding plants which produce different colours. The tribal folks of this region locally use different colours obtained from plants for different purposes such as ornamentation, cosmetics, decorating houses and colouring home utensils made up of mud. The present study was undertaken to assess the diversity of dye-yielding plants of Chhattisgarh, the indigenous method of dye extraction and ethnic uses of dyes. This will be a step towards the biodiversity and ethnic conservation and will also be helpful in understanding the social and cultural life of tribes of this region.

Page(s): 82-87

Ethnomedicines for jaundice used in tribal areas of North Maharashtra

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Ethnomedicines for jaundice used in tribal areas of North Maharashtra

Authors: Badgujar, S B; Patil, M B

Abstract: Ethnomedicinal survey was conducted in hilly area of North Maharashtra, India. Till today Bhills, Gavits, Kokanis, Mavachis, Padvis, Tadvis, Valvis and Vasaves tribes are exclusively dependent on forest. They have own system of herbal medicine. Information on 19 plant species of 18 angiosperm families which are traditionally used as medicine to cure Kavil (Jaundice) was collected. The plant part used, traditional preparation and doses for administration are given in the present paper.

Page(s): 79-81

Cultivation of Shiitake mushroom – A potential agro-industry for hilly areas of North eastern India

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Cultivation of Shiitake mushroom – A potential agro-industry for hilly areas of North eastern India

Authors: Singh, H Birkumar; Adhikary, R K; Sharma, R K; Sarma, T C; Rao, P G

Abstract: The survival and economic prosperity of various ethnic people of North eastern India largely depends upon rationale wise utilization and sustainable development of its local resources. Recently, Japanese wood mushroom commonly called as shiitake or golden oak mushroom [Lentinula edodes (Berk) Sing] has been explored for its large scale cultivation and production leading to conservation of biodiversity and economic upliftment of the local people. Shiitake mushroom is in high demand in the local markets due to its unique characteristic taste and usefulness in health care such as diabetes, hypertension, tumours, antiviral and as immuno-stimulant. On taking up its commercial cultivation one can earn a net profit of Rs. 4000 to 11,000 per annum from a mushroom cultivable shed of the size 4×4 m².

Page(s): 74-78

Population studies of Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall. in Darjeeling district of West Bengal

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Population studies of Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall. in Darjeeling district of West Bengal

Authors: Bantawa, Pranay; Mondal, Tapan Kumar

Abstract: Floristic diversity of eastern Himalayas is well known which harbours many medicinally important plants also. But, unsustainable use and over exploitation have threatened existence of such valuable plants. Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall. is one of such species which is least studied. The existing status, habitat and morphological variation of the plant was studied and analyzed in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Phyto-sociological studies revealed that the species preformed best in specific habitats (i.e. in mixed forest of Eurya acuminata DC. -Viburnum erubescens Wall. with ground association of Poa annua Linn.). Several morphological and environmental features were identified which have bearing on aerial biomass, the economical parts of the plants. The present study thus identified the area, which may be utilized as basis for chemical screening and also to identify an elite line for commercial cultivation of this plant. The present study also showed that the seed retention percentage at higher altitude bears low value due to high wind velocity.

Page(s): 68-73